That evening after dinner, I started back to work on my book. At first, the going was slow but soon the words started pouring through my fingers onto the keyboard. I was composing on the fly just like I had done when I first started writing my stories. I felt a renewed vigor coursing through my mind as my newest story began unfolding.
“What’re you smiling about?” My grandfather inquired from his comfortable recliner in the office.
“Oh nothing.” I replied. “My story just seems to be coming together all of a sudden.”
“Is it a western?” He asked, grinning. “I’d like to see you write a good western. Like a John Wayne movie.”
“Sorry, it’s not a western.” I answered. “Maybe someday I’ll write one especially for you.”
“Well, don’t wait too long.” J.D. kidded. “I wanna still be alive to read it. And, don’t put a lot of that sex stuff in it either! Cowboys never had much sex in the old west.”
The mention of cowboys having sex reminded me of my scheduled rendevous with Cody later that evening. My fingers started tripping over the keys, making several typographical errors. I slowed my typing pace down, trying to concentrate but dreaded thoughts of having to keep my agreement interrupted my progress.
I kept watching the digital clock in the right-hand corner of the monitor as it ticked off the minutes towards 10pm. I tried to remember the last time I was with anyone. It had been so long I could barely remember who it was, let alone when it was. Thoughts of not showing up at Cody’s trailer fought thoughts of just trying to talk him out of the stupid situation.
“Surely, he’d let me off the hook if I ask him.” I thought. “He’s too much of a gentleman to force me to have sex with him.”
As the clock clicked 9:00pm, I decided it best to prepare myself for the worse. Shutting down my laptop computer, I put it aside for the night.
“I’m gonna grab a shower.” I remarked to my grandfather. “Maybe, I’ll run down to the barn before bed and check on the horses.”
“Cody usually checks on the horses before he goes to bed.” J.D. asserted. “You don’t have to worry about them.”
“Well, I need to talk to him about the calf sale this Friday.” I commented. “We should probably discuss what breed of cows we want.”
“Can’t that wait till tomorrow?” My grandfather asked.
“Unless.....you just want to spend some time with him.” He added, grinning. “I do think ole Cody’s got a thing for you.”
I couldn’t think of anything to counter with so I quickly slipped out of the office. After showering and fixing my hair and make-up, I slipped on a pair of dress slacks and a frilly blouse. I wasn’t sure if I was trying to look sexy or trying to look innocent!
Before leaving the house, I checked on my grandfather. He was still sitting in his recliner, watching one of his favorite westerns.
“See ya in the morning.” He remarked, not bothering to look away from the television.
“Don’t forget. Breakfast is at 6am.” He added. “I’ll expect you to be at breakfast with the ranch-hands each and every morning.”
“I’ll be at breakfast. Don’t worry.” I responded, picking up my cigarettes and lighter.
Walking down the hill towards Cody’s trailer, I kept thinking of what I could say to talk him out of the situation. I nervously lit up a cigarette before approaching the door to his camper, taking a couple of quick, hard drags off it.
“You’re right on time.” Cody greeted, gesturing me to enter.
Stepping up into the travel trailer, I immediately noticed its tidiness and luxurious appointments. Its spacious interior and carpeted flooring were highlighted by its light oak cabinetry and stylish furnishings. The travel trailer had two expanding walls, one for the combination livingroom, dining area and another for the bedroom.
“We should probably discuss the upcoming calf sale and what we need to look for.” I suggested, placing my cigarettes and lighter on the kitchen counter.
“We can do that tomorrow.” Cody responded. “We don’t need to discuss it tonight.”
“There’s one of my shirts on the bed.” He stated. “Take off your clothes and put it on. I’ll open up a couple beers while you’re changing.”
I stood frozen, unable to comply with his command. Cody just stood there, staring at me for a brief moment.
“Well! I’m waiting!” He spoke out angrily. “What’s your hold-up?”
I turned and walked quickly to the rear bedroom of the trailer. On the bed was a man’s white dress shirt, way too large for Cody, let alone me. Taking off my clothes, I placed them on a shelf in the large closet that ran the width of the bedroom. I kept my panties on but slipped off my bra. Putting the shirt on, I buttoned it the entire length and rolled up the sleeves till they were above my wrists. The shirt was long enough that it came almost halfway down to my knees.
Thoughts of trying to reason with Cody were dashed from my mind as I looked at myself in the closet door mirror.
As I walked back to the front of the trailer, Cody scanned his eyes over me from head to toe.
“I hope you like beer.” He remarked, handing me a glass. “I wasn’t sure of what kind of wine to get so I bought beer instead.”
“I hope you bought plenty cause you’re going to have to get me pretty drunk.” I countered, lighting up a cigarette.
“I’m not planning on getting you drunk, just relaxed.” Cody commented.
The two of us sat together on the couch, sipping the cold beer. I sat sideways with my legs curled beneath me. Cody could sense my anxiety. I was hoping he’d call off the charade but I had a feeling he wasn’t about to. I wasn’t about to plead with him either
“I’ve been thinking about you all day.” Cody murmured, toying with my hair. “I couldn’t get you off my mind.”
